A collective of young individuals in the Ashanti Region, has made an appeal to the Manhyia Palace, urging the prohibition of Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, from entering the Manhyia Palace.
In addition to their appeal to the Manhyia Palace, the association has called on paramount chiefs and sub-chiefs aligned with the Golden Stool not to grant Chairman Wontumi access to their palaces.
During a news conference in Kumasi on January 17, 2024, the association emphasized that Chairman Wontumi’s assertion of having his own kingdom in Asanteman is offensive, portraying disrespect to the Golden Stool.
They proposed that the ban could be lifted only if Chairman Wontumi issues an unqualified apology to Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and Asanteman.
Addressing the media, Amaning Kwarteng, the spokesperson for the group, recounted an incident during the vetting of NPP parliamentary aspirants in the Manhyia South Constituency on January 3, 2024.
He detailed a confrontation between the constituency organizer, Alhaji Abuba, and Chairman Wontumi. Amid verbal exchanges, Chairman Wontumi allegedly boasted about establishing his own kingdom in the Ashanti Region, complete with a military and police force.
Despite being advised by Nana Kwaku Duah, the chief of Kokoso and chairman of the NPP Council of Elders in Manhyia South, that no one, except the Asantehene, owns a kingdom in Asanteman, Chairman Wontumi reportedly remained defiant.
The youth emphasized the significance of adhering to Asante tradition, asserting that individuals cannot speak their minds to the King as it would lead to disregard and disrespect for the Golden Stool.
“ The Ashanti Youth wants to make it clear that, per Asante tradition and customs, no individual in the Ashanti Kingdom can speak his mind to the King, since that will lead to disregard and disrespect to the Golden Stool,” Mr Kwarteng stated .
Additionally, the association expressed disappointment in the National Organizer of the party, Henry Nana Boakye, also known as Nana B, for allegedly attempting to shield Chairman Wontumi from accountability for his disrespectful actions.
Their plea comes after a different group ordered Chairman Wontumi to the palace for his alleged disrespect towards the authority of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Such disrespect to the Golden Stool😡…NPP never again pic.twitter.com/GcX9JfEQms
— HOOLIGAN JWD✨ (@FrancisNuku) January 17, 2024